FILE - Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne celebrates a touchdown reception in the second half against the Chicago Bears in an NFL football game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)

Wayne has been with the Colts for 14 seasons. Officials with the team didn’t immediately make it clear why Wayne wasn’t resigned but Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay said it was in the best interest of the team.

“When he first took the field with us in 2001, we knew this day would eventually arrive,” Irsay said. “That reality is one of the things that makes pro football such a tough business. We feel this decision is in the best interests of the team and for Reggie as it will allow him to seek a better opportunity for playing time elsewhere if he so chooses. Reggie is beloved by the Colts organization and our fans and he will always be a part of the Colts family.”

In the team’s announcement of Wayne’s departure, Coach Chuck Pagano said his relationship with number 87 goes back to his coaching days at the University of Miami.

“He is the epitome of what a coach looks for in a player,” Pagano said. “Hard work, dedication, and sacrifice are just a few ways I would describe him.”

After suffering a torn triceps at the end of 2014, questions arose over whether the team would re-sign Wayne.

In his career, number 87 has continued to make NFL records. He ranks seventh in NFL history in career receptions and eighth in receiving yards. The Colts have called him one of their all-time greatest players.

Shortly after the news broke Friday morning, Wayne’s fellow athletes took to social media, tipping their hats to the wide-receiver.